It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Holden, volunteer mentor and supporter of Care after Combat. Today, family and friends said farewell to Gary at a very moving ceremony at St Edmunds Chapel, Risby.
Gary served proudly for 30 years in the REME as a soldier and officer, and in recent years supported Care after Combat as a volunteer mentor. His passion for supporting veterans was inspiring, not only to the individuals he supported, but to all involved in the charity. Gary is quoted in a charity information booklet, it captures him perfectly;
‘A couple of proverbs motivate and underpin my mentoring;
There but for the grace of god go I – it occurs to me that the fundamental difference between my mentee and I is often, simply; opportunity, right place right time and a significant helping of old fashioned good luck, and…….
Walk a mile in another man’s shoes – I have at least as much to learn from my mentee as I can give, he has experienced things I can barely imagine’.
Gary is a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather, who will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. His memory will be cherished by all that knew him.
RIP Gary
